The Air Up There Federal Aviation Administration

Becoming an air traffic controller is a rewarding profession that plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of our airspace. If you're curious about the journey to becoming a controller, don't miss this episode featuring the FAA’s Jose Castellanos, a controller at the San Juan tower in Puerto Rico.
Jose shares how he discovered his passion for aviation after being accepted into the FAA's Minority Serving Institutions internship program. He discusses his top safety priorities, continuous learning strategies, and valuable advice for aspiring controllers. He also demonstrates "phraseology," the specialized language used by controllers to communicate with pilots.
With advanced training opportunities and the chance to make an impact, a career in air traffic control is truly fulfilling. If you think you have what it takes to excel in this specialized and skilled profession, visit www.faa.gov/be-atc to learn more about the application process before our next hiring window, April 19-22, 2024.
Share this episode with your network – you never know who might find inspiration to explore a fulfilling career path they hadn't considered before.
Meet Our Guest:  
Jose Castellanos is a Certified Professional Controller at the San Juan Tower in Puerto Rico and formerly an intern with the Minority Serving Institutions internship program.  
Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service. 
 

A good mentor can point you in the right direction and a great mentor can change your life. When Bobbie Kahklen started working for the FAA, she never imagined she would end up working in a tower as an air traffic controller. 
Growing up as a member of the Native Alaskan Tlingit tribe, Bobbie persevered through many challenges. Aviation was not something that was talked about in her community and it certainly wasn’t on Bobbie’s radar as a career option. By chance, she stumbled across an administrative job opening at the FAA. 
With the encouragement of her FAA managers and coworkers, Bobbie applied for a developmental air traffic control position. That leap of faith completely shifted the trajectory of her career and got her out from behind an office desk and up in a tower where she excelled. 
Are you up for the challenge? Find out what it takes to be an air traffic controller, more about the application process, and what you can do to prepare before our next hiring window, April 19-22, 2024. Another route to consider is Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative schools which teach basic courses in air traffic control and are designed to provide qualified candidates for developmental positions.
Share this podcast episode with friends, family, and colleagues. You never know where it might lead them on their career journey. 
Meet Our Guest:  
Bobbie Kahklen is a Support Specialist at Guam Center Radar Approach Control and an outreach representative for the FAA’s STEM education program with over 30 years of service with the FAA. She was a tower controller at Juneau International Airport, San Diego’s Gillespie Field, and San Francisco International Airport. Bobbie is a member of the Native American Alaska Native Coalition (NAAN) and the National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees. Learn more about how Bobbie uses her Alaskan Native heritage to help other indigenous people seek out learning and opportunities. 
 Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service. 
 

There is power in mentorship! In this special podcast episode, 13-year-old Isabella from Rising Aviation High School and FAA aerospace engineer Karen Perez engage in an insightful discussion about aspirations, mentorship, diversity, and the limitless possibilities in aerospace.
How did we get here? Isabella wrote a letter to us to share what her school does to attract students to various fields in aviation and how she hopes to inspire more women, especially Hispanic and Latina girls, to pursue STEM. 
In an engaging two-way interview, Isabella shares the discovery flight that solidified her desire to become a pilot when she took control of the aircraft, and her advice for students with similar interests. Karen takes us on her journey to becoming an aerospace engineer at the FAA, reveals her proudest career achievements, and offers advice for those interested in aerospace.
When a young person sees someone who looks like them doing what they desire to do, it makes it seem that much more attainable. With great mentors, their dreams can come true. The FAA encourages mentorship and provides invaluable support through our student programs. 
Share this episode with your network of friends, family, and colleagues.
Meet Our Guests:  
Isabella Onyskin is a freshman at Rising Aviation High School, an educational program that combines the foundations of science, technology, engineering, and math with aviation-related studies and practical applications. She aspires to pursue a career as an airline pilot. 
Karen Perez is an aerospace engineer in the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space, where she evaluates license applications for leading U.S. commercial space launch companies. Karen actively participates in STEM outreach programs and serves as the Regional Chapter Director for the National Hispanic Coalition for Federal Aviation Employees (NHCFAE) Capital Chapter. Karen has a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Miami.
Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service. 
 

What if your career not only fulfilled your ambitions but launched them into orbit? That’s what happened to our guest, Rachita Puri, an aerospace engineer in the FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation.
In this episode, Rachita shares how a job fair at her university led her to the FAA, where she enjoys a rewarding career ensuring public safety during human space flights, rocket launches and reentries. She details how her position affords her out-of-this-world experiences, including witnessing her first ever space launch in person that left her with goosebumps. 
Tune in to hear about a day in the life of Rachita, an aerospace engineer, who talks about her insights on the future of space travel, the importance of having diverse people involved in aerospace, and her valuable advice for aspiring space professionals. There are so many ways to make an impact in space. 
The FAA plays a crucial role in space safety through its Office of Commercial Space Transportation, which has cool career opportunities and initiatives. Share this episode to help spread the word to anyone interested in aerospace or who may be unsure about a career path. There may just be a place in space at the FAA for them.
Meet Our Guest:  
Rachita Puri is an Aerospace Engineer for the Federal Aviation Administration's Office of Commercial Space Transportation in Washington D.C., where she leads the safety authorization for space launches and reentries. She also serves as the FAA's licensing liaison to government partners including NASA, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Department of State. Rachita holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from The Ohio State University, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Science and Technology at The George Washington University. In her free time, Rachita volunteers with the Space Generation Advisory Council to reach youth.
 Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service. 
 

From being a first-generation college student to becoming a pilot and certified flight instructor, Zakiya Percy, navigated uncharted territories, propelling herself on an incredible aerospace journey.
In this episode, Zakiya shares what inspired her to become a pilot, and sheds light on the sacrifices and challenges she encountered along the way. She tells the story of how an inquiry to revive an inactive Organization of Black Aviation Professional’s (OBAP) collegiate chapter quickly elevated her to the position of president. This leadership role eventually led her to OBAP’s Luke Weathers Jr. Flight Academy where her journey towards becoming a pilot took flight.
Tune in to hear Zakiya candidly detail her unique experience as an aspiring woman pilot of color, reflect on her first flight, and provide advice to those who are interested in aerospace.
Share this episode with someone curious about aerospace or simply seeking encouragement for their own pathway from high school to a career – this story of resilience and commitment resonates with all. 
See the FAA’s list of joint programs, like OBAP, for young people interested in getting started in aviation.
Meet Our Guest:
Zakiya Percy serves as Lead Certified Flight Instructor at the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Luke Weathers Flight Academy. She holds several leadership positions in various organizations including Women in Aviation and Sisters of the Skies. Zakiya holds a bachelor of science in aviation technology and a master of science in transportation engineering systems and technology from Texas Southern University. She is currently pursuing her doctorates degree in Computational Data Science Engineering at North Carolina A&T University. 
Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service.
 

The FAA provides boundless career opportunities within the aviation sector for people of all backgrounds. In this episode, Migdalia Gonzalez, the Hispanic Employment Program Manager in the FAA’s Office of Civil Rights provides insight on the importance of representation and outreach to attract talent from underrepresented communities.
Tune in to hear how the FAA's educational outreach initiatives empower students to pursue aviation careers. Plus, be inspired by Migdalia's personal journey and discover how she helps Hispanic students find their own path within the dynamic aerospace industry, including guiding them through the complex federal job application process.
Learn how the FAA’s Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program provides opportunities to eligible students from groups that have been underrepresented in Aviation, Aeronautics, and other STEM related industries.
A diverse aerospace workforce contributes to the industry's growth and innovation. Share this impactful episode with your network to join us in advocating for equal opportunities for all and amplifying the message that 'todo es posible' (everything is possible)! 
Meet Our Guest:  
Migdalia Gonzalez is the Hispanic Employment Program Manager at the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) Office of Civil Rights. She works to develop relationships with external and internal partners and serves as the program advisor and consultant to management on outreach initiatives with a focus on the Hispanic community. Prior to joining the FAA, she was the Supervisory Training Officer at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Housing. She is a master trainer and motivational speaker and has delivered training to both public and private sector organizations. Migdalia is committed to the development of others to create a more diverse and inclusive community for all.
 Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service.